Haynes Motor Museum Awarded Arts Council England Accreditation Accolade

Haynes Motor Museum has received official museum accreditation as part of a national scheme which recognises well-run museums and galleries. Administered by Arts Council England on behalf of the UK Accreditation Partnership, accreditation is the benchmark for well-run Museums and Galleries. In order to receive the accolade, the Somerset-based Museum had to demonstrate it is a sustainable, focused and trusted organisation which offers visitors an enriching experience. Haynes Motor Museum is home to the UK's largest exhibition of cars and motorbikes dating from 1900 up to the present day.

We’re delighted to have received this level of national recognition from the UK Accreditation Partnership, said Chief Executive Officer, Chris Scudds.

The criteria for Arts Council England accreditation covers the full spectrum of disciplines and require the Museum’s governance, leadership, management, and daily operations to operate at a nationally agreed industry standard. The scope of oversight also ensures that we care for our unique and exceptional collection to the highest of standards, aligning with best practice and latest thinking on conservation, preservation, and accessibility, he added.

Receiving accreditation also means the museum can host touring exhibitions, access professional advice, support and funding opportunities and provides additional reassurance to donors and sponsors who may wish to support the Museum in preserving heritage and inspiring future generations.

 Dr Luca Hoare, Curator at Haynes Motor Museum said: This award means so much to us. It not only demonstrates the existing care we give to our collection but will enable us to continue our ambitious plans to develop the Museum further over the coming years.

We want the Museum to be an educational, interactive, and accessible experience for everyone. Accreditation validates our objective that the Museum is not just a magnificent collection of motor vehicles but also tells the incredible human stories that shaped the automotive world, she added.

Opened in 1985 as a charity, the Museum was the brainchild of John Haynes OBE, the mastermind behind the world-famous Haynes car manuals. Housed within 15 exhibition areas, its vast collection spans everything from the birth of motoring and nostalgic classics of the 50s and 60s, to glorious Bentleys and Rolls Royces and stunning supercars of the modern day. Located just off the A303 at Sparkford in Somerset, it’s the perfect destination for families, motoring enthusiasts and history lovers.